Motor vehicle wheel center including an anti-theft feature

ABSTRACT

An improved motor vehicle wheel center for providing a virtually continuous co-planar visual vehicular wheel design including an anti-theft feature comprising a cover plate that blocks access to the lug bolts of a wheel while sealingly preventing migration of oil and other substances from the center to the exterior thereof and which is held in place by a wedge-shaped, threadedly received central shaft member having a multi-sided faceted configuration which can only be removed in a facilitated manner by engagement and rotation through a specifically shaped conforming tool.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to motor vehicle wheels and inparticularly to an improved motor wheel vehicle wheel center apparatusfor attachment to the vehicle at the axle hub by the axle lug bolts ofthe vehicle and which includes anti-theft features associated therewith.

Various devices currently exist that attempt to combine an aestheticallypleasing appearance with theft deterrence or prevention means, inconnection with automotive vehicle wheels. For example, found on someFrench passenger cars is a wheel having a spoke disk or plate stampedout of sheet steel and affixed at its center by a tapped hole receivingthe head of a fastening part designed as a screw made hexagonally on itsoutside and sized to match the dimensions of the axle bolt fasteningnuts used to attach the wheel to the axle. Through such a conventionaldesign, the screw part on the French device could be opened at any timeby means of a standard wrench and the hub cap thereby easily removed toexpose access to the vehicle lug nuts. Such lug-covering hub caps haveaccordingly failed to sufficiently protect against theft.

Also, in this well known design, only the outer edge of the hub cap waspressed against the spoke disk. Therefore if oil or greased leaked atthe grease cap of the wheel axle, (which cannot be avoided entirely,)through rotation of the wheel, such substances would eventually bethrown against first the fastening nuts and eventually through the edgegap between the hub cap and the spoke disk and onto the exteriorthereof. Since this contact zone between spoke disk and hub cap waslocated relatively far away from the center of the axle, it could neverbe made completely tight, so that the traces of oil leaking outwardlytogether with dirt carried thereby, would frequently cause a drippingaction which would be very hard to remove.

In addition, the penetration of dirty water and the like from theoutside of the wheel towards the inside grease cap could not beprevented either, so that the effect would be a virtual circulationsystem in which a mixture of dirt, water and oil would be thrown fromthe axle or hub zone radially outward and later replenished.

Many well-known spoke disk wheel designs are additionally very limitedwith respect to optically attractive designs. Therefore, oneincreasingly goes to casting spoke disks of lighter metals such asaluminum alloy.

Other wheel designs such as the "Remotec" wheel, have included a hub capthat entirely covers the lug nuts of the wheel that made as a continuousone-piece part which is clipped to the spoke disk by means of aconventional lock connection. However, such a lock-type connectiondesign results in the locks being exposed to, among other things, theelements and affects the visual appearance of the wheel by interruptingthe continuous transition from wheel design to cover plate design.

Also in existence are wheel designs such as ones by Remotec,incorporating supposed anti-theft features consisting of a centerlocking cap which can be opened only with a special key, while allowingthe axle lug bolts of the wheel to be only partially exposedtherethrough, so as to prevent sufficient access to a conventionalwrench or other similar tool to remove the bolts without first unlockingthe protective center cap. However, such designs likewise not onlyadversely affect the visual appearance of the exterior of the wheel, butdo not fully protect the aforementioned lug bolts from tampering orother damage and do not seal portions of the wheel from oil and dirtimigration.

Automotive wheel devices also exist such as Lyon, U.S. Pat. No.2,911,260 which prevents removal of the wheel cover and correspondingaccess to the lug bolts without the use of a key to unlock theconventional lock mechanism. In Lyon, the locks keep the "knock off" or"spinner" decorative center of the wheel locked to a bracket affixed tothe wheel by the lug nuts, near the grease cap of the axle. Similarly,Hudson U.S. Pat. No. 3,995,461 employs a lock mechanism built into awheel cover which engages a mechanism attached to the wheel, surroundingthe grease cap of the axle, so as to block access to the lug boltsunless the key unlocks the plug lock to allow removal of the cover.However, the aforementioned designs provide neither an aestheticallypleasing continuous transition in design appearance between the caps andthe wheel, nor a very secure means of affixation.

Lamme, U.S. Pat. No. 3,170,733 employs a wheel cover that is affixed tothe wheel by employing a "spinner" which is threadedly received by abracket surrounding the grease cap of the axle and secured by the lugnuts. The "spinner" is then positively locked by turning of a key, whichwhen inserted in a conventional cylindrical lock, causes a protrusion tobe received by a slot in the bracket. The necessary exposure of theconventional lock mechanism of the '733 device could cause not only thepreviously described aesthetic and security problems encountered withstandard lock and key mechanisms, but also, potentially the operationaldifficulties often encountered when such mechanisms are exposed to theenvironment.

Scruggs, U.S. Pat. No. 4,083,606 addresses the common problem in amulti-part wheel cover assembly, of preventing undesired rotation of thelocking device relative to the wheel cover by providing a pin extendingfrom the cap member through the wheel cover to prevent rotative removalof the wheel cover from the wheel. A conventional lock is also providedto protect the wheel cover and the wheel itself from being easilyremoved from the vehicle. Similarly, Goeske U.S. Pat. No. 2,282,222employs a series of corresponding pegs and holes as well as conventionallocking mechanisms to maintain its hub cap securely held against theft,under "lock and key." But the same problems could potentially exist withrespect to the Goeske device as the previously discussed conventionallylocking prior devices.

Reppert, U.S. Pat. No. 4,067,621, employs a two-piece hub capconstruction joined by means of a screw thread connection and using a"ratchet" locking system which is releasable by reaching behind the hubcap and either pulling or pushing on the lever to release the ratchetlock and allow unscrewing of the outer cup, thereby exposing the lugnuts of the wheel. Such a construction could present difficulty, ifremoval of the hub cab is desired, while not providing a sufficientimpediment to unauthorized removal thereof.

Clearly, there is therefore a need for an improved motor vehicle wheelcenter apparatus which promotes a completely integrated continuousappearance between "outer" wheel and "inner" cover plate while providingan anti-theft feature in an overall construction which precludesundesirable migration of oil and dirt.

Consequently the present invention has as an object the accomplishing ofthe dual purposes of providing for an especially attractive aestheticdesign for a motor vehicle wheel, and preventing theft thereof byimpeding or preventing undesired access to the axle lug bolts thereof.

In addition, the present invention has as an object, the secureaffixation of the hub cap member, and specifically, the cover plate andshaft member, to the spoke disk and prevention of easy removal byunauthorized persons.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a spoke diskmember and a hub cap member which are designed to attach in a visuallyattractive continuous design manner.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for securefastening of the hub cap member to the spoke disk member to preventundesired relative movement thereof and corresponding alteration of thevisual design of the wheel center when in the assembled relation.

Another object of the present invention is to provide for especiallyeffective sealing between the hub cap member and the spoke disk, toprevent undesired migration of materials either into or from the centerof the axle to the exterior of the wheel or the lug nuts.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide forincreased friction-tightness between the hub cap member and the spokedisk member including utilization of the wedge principal to increase thereliability of the connection.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide for acollecting space in the spoke disk member for dirt which might otherwisepenetrate to or from the outside of the wheel.

Another object of the present invention is to prevent contact corrosionbetween the component parts of the apparatus while still maintaining aneconomically feasible mode of production.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide for a hub capmember which can be, on the one hand mounted and demounted by means of aspecial wrench or tool, and on the other hand be of such a configurationthat commonly available tools or keys do not facilitate suchunauthorized removal.

A further object of the present invention is to provide for consistantalignment of the spoke disk member and cover disks in a predeterminedrotary position relative to each other, so that the pattern present inthe spoke disk member can be continuously displayed on the outside ofthe cover plate.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide for a meansof secure attachment of a cover plate which avoids the problemsencountered with conventional locking mechanisms which are exposed tothe environment including the potential problems of rusting, freezing,or the existence of "universal" keys.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a moresimplified wheel center construction incorporating the advantages ofproduction from light metals as well as metal to plastic interfacing andintegration.

These and other objects of the invention will become apparent in lightof the present specification and drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The improved motor vehicle wheel center apparatus comprises a spoke diskmember, having a central bore aligned coaxially with respect to the axisof rotation of the wheel. In addition, a plurality of co-axiallypositioned passage holes are formed around the periphery of the centralbore and are provided to allow for the passage of the motor vehicle lugbolts therethrough for fastening by the corresponding lug nuts to theaxle hub of the motor vehicle. Also included is a hub cap memberconsisting of a cover plate having a central aperture and a shaft memberpassing therethrough. The cover plate is thereby maintained interposedbetween the shaft member and the spoke disk member and rests within acorrespondingly shaped recessed surface on the spoke disk member. Thehub cap member is demountably attached to the exterior of the spoke diskmember so that the cover plate interposed therebetween will serve as avisual obstruction to, as well as impede or prevent undesired access to,the lug nuts and bolts and corresponding unauthorized removal or theftthereof.

Theft prevention means are also operably associated and correspondingwith the spoke disk member in order to impede or prevent undesiredremoval of the hub cap member from the spoke disk member andcorresponding exposure of the lug nuts and bolts. Alignment means arealso operably associated with the cover plate and the spoke disk memberto allow consistent alignment thereof. Moreover, sealing is providedproximate the central aperture and between the hub cap member and thespoke disk to prevent migration of substances therebetween and possiblyto the outer face of the cover plate or spoke disk. Each of the spokedisk member and the cover plate bear respective alignable portions of asingle discrete ornamental design which is capable of being manifestedsubstantially continuously across both in a substantially common plane,while the cover plate is co-axially and restrainable interposed betweenthe shaft member and the spoke disk member.

The shaft member of the hub cap member in the preferred embodimentcomprises an outer cup-shaped member formed from an aluminum alloy-typematerial and an inner sleeve coupling member of an elastomeric materialincluding the hub cap attachment means for removable attachment to thecorresponding hub cap attachment means possessed by the spoke diskmember. The outer cup-shaped member and the inner sleeve can be eitherinterference fitted to one another or glued. The outer cup-shaped memberfurther includes a co-axially positioned outer recessed portion forrestrainable telescopic receipt of a decorative hub ornament.Furthermore, the central formed core is a tapped hole through the spokedisk member capable of accurately receiving and holding the shaft memberwith the cover plate being interposed therebetween.

The hub cap is attached to the spoke disk in the following manner. Thesleeve coupling member has a male threaded portion which is accuratelyreceived by a corresponding female threaded portion formed in the spokedisk central bore, so as to result in the cover plate becominginterposed therebetween. In addition, at least the male threads on thesleeve coupling member are angled outwards, while in the preferredembodiment the female threaded interior wall portion of the central boreis correspondingly angled so as to result in a conical wedging effectand improved fastening restraint therebetween.

The theft prevention means include the outer cup-shaped member having anon-standardized multi-sided peripheral configuration requiringalignment with or gripping by a shape-conforming tool for removal of thehub cap member and corresponding exposure of the lug nuts. Themulti-sided peripheral configuration of the cup-shaped member can beeither a plurality of curved sections or facets, straight sections orfacets, or any combination thereof.

The aforementioned alignment means comprise a pin member operablyaffixed to and protruding from the cover plate and a correspondinglyshaped and positioned bore designed to receive the pin, formed withinthe spoke disk member. The pin member and bore cooperate to enableconsistent relative positioning of the cover plate upon the spoke diskmember to maintain the virtually continuous exterior appearance.

The alignment means can also comprise a stop cam member protruding fromthe spoke disk member and a countercam protruding from the back of thecover plate and positioned to contact the stop cam member on at leastone side when the cover plate and spoke disk member are properlyaligned. Such engagement of the stop cam and countercam also serves toprevent mutual relative turning therebetween.

The plurality of sealing means include the shaft member having acone-shaped bearing surface and the cover plate having a correspondinglyshaped bevel seat portion. Furthermore, the cone-shaped bearing surfacecontacts the correspondingly shaped bevel seat portion when the hub capmember is tightened onto the spoke disk member. The attachment of thehub cap member to the spoke disk member serves to bring the shaft memberinto contact with the cover plate, and in turn the spoke disk member, soas to form a substantially fluid-tight seal to prevent migration ofsubstances from the central greases cap area to the exterior of thewheel or vice versa. Sealing against migration of fluids substances tothe exterior of the wheel is further accomplished by the threaded matedattachment of the shaft member to the central bore of the spoke diskmember, contact between the planar surface of the hub cap member radialflange and the correspondingly oppositely positioned counter-planesurface of the cover plate, as well as contact between the cover platecylindrical extension and spoke disk cylindrical recess, when the hubcap member is affixed to the spoke disk.

The spoke disk and cover plate in the preferred embodiment are made outof an aluminum alloy-type material while the shaft member inner sleevecoupling member is formed of plastic. However, the cover plate couldalso, in an alternative embodiment be formed of plastic. Morespecifically, the shaft member thread first end or inner sleeve couplingmember, in the preferred embodiment, is formed of plastic while thesecond end or head is operably affixed to a cup-shaped member formedfrom an aluminum alloy-type material. The shaft member second end alsohas a head having a multi-sided or faceted peripheral configuration. Inthe preferred embodiment the multi-sided peripheral configuration iscomposed of a plurality of substantially straight or planar surfaces,but can also be composed of a plurality of curved sections. Themulti-sided cup shaped member is interference fitted or glued over thecorrespondingly multi-sided head of the shaft member so as to be innested relation thereby allowing the unitary turning of the shaft memberwhen a tool engages the shaft member and torque is applied to themulti-sided cup.

In the preferred embodiment, the substantially continuous visualappearance of the exterior of the spoke disk member is of a lattice-likeor simulated spoke pattern.

BRIEF DESCRIPITION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the spoke disk member of theimproved motor vehicle wheel center apparatus showing the hub cap memberincluding the shaft member and cover plate being attached thereto.

FIG. 2 is a partial front elevational view of the spoke disk showing thecover plate and shaft member in assembled fashion and resulting in avirtually continuous visual impression.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the spoke diskmember as shown in FIG. 1, showing in particular, the shaft member andcover plate in attached relation thereto.

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of theimproved wheel center apparatus showing in particular the shaft member,cover plate and spring member attached to the spoke disk member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment of many differentforms, it is shown in the drawings and will herein be described indetail, two specific embodiments with the understanding that the presentdisclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principle ofthe invention. It is not intended to limit the invention to theembodiments illustrated.

As shown in FIG. 1 with respect to the first embodiment of the presentinvention, spoke disk 11 is approximately plate-shaped. On the outeredge of spoke disk 11 are a plurality of holes 13, which in a commonlyknown matter not described herein, are employed to connect the spokedisk 11 to the other rim parts (not shown) so as to comprise a motorvehicle wheel. A preferred embodiment of spoke disk member 11 as shownin FIGS. 1 through 3, has along its outer peripheral zone a multitude ofvoids or interruptions 14 which give it a simulated spoke-like orlattice-like appearance. In the center of spoke disk 11 is shown acentral hole 16 aligned co-axially to vehicle wheel axis of rotation 17.Center hole 16 serves as an opening to receive the grease cap ordinarilyfound on the end of motor vehicle axles. Axle bolt passage hole 18 isone of a series of several such passage holes which are positionedco-axially with respect to axis of rotation 17 allowing screw bolts (notshown) of the motor vehicle axle to pass therethrough. Inner side 19 ofspoke disk 11, when mounted on the axle points in the direction of theaxle. Fastening nuts (not shown) are then tighted onto the screw boltspassing through passage holes 18 so as to restrainably fasten the spokedisk 11, and correspondingly the rim to which it is attached, to theaxle hub.

In its center, spoke disk 11 is provided with sleeve-like extension 21surrounding center hole 16 and comprising a tapped hole portion 22 andcylindrical recessed portion 23. The center hole 16 in the preferredembodiment has at its narrowest place a diameter of approximately 71 mm.and extends in the axial direction over a length of approximately 26 mm.The tapped hole 22 has a diameter of about 70 mm. and extends in theaxial direction over a length of about 10 mm., in the preferredembodiment. Correspondingly, outer thread 38 of shaft member 28 extendsin the axial direction over a length of about 10 mm. in the preferredembodiment. Cylindrical recess 23 serves to create a step-likecounter-surface 24. In turn, the annular surface 31 countersurface 24ranges from an inside diameter of approximately 72.5 mm. to an outsidediameter of approximately 77 millimeters. Cylindrical recess 23 extendsin the axial direction for a length of approximately 3 mm., whilecylindrical extension 29 extends over an axial length of more than 3 mm.in the preferred embodiment.

Hub cap member 26, as shown in FIG. 1 when assembled, has a diameterlarge enough to cover at least the axial bolt passage holes 18. Hub capmember 26 also has at least a two-part construction consisting of acover plate 27 having a central aperture and a shaft member 28 passingtherethrough. Cover plate 27 has a cylindrical extension 29 protrudingin the axial direction and whose front face forms an annular surface 31which bears on countersurface 24. In the preferred embodiment, theextension 29 has an outside diameter of approximately 77 mm. and therebyfits accurately into cylindrical recess 23. Outside and opposite annularsurface 31, cover plate 27 is further provided with a bevel seat 32which ranges from an inside diameter in the preferred embodiment ofabout 69-72.5 mm. to an outside diameter of approximately 80-82 mm. withan angle of taper of approximately 45 degrees. Cone-shaped shell element42 is correspondingly shaped and sized in the preferred embodiment.Bevel seat 32 is followed radially outward by a transition surface 33,which is in turn followed by annular groove 34 directed inwardly.Annular groove 34 serves to collect dirt and other similar materialsthat would otherwise either adhere to the exterior of the wheel ormigrate to its interior. Annular groove 34 is then followed bycounterplane surface 36. Counterplane 36 and transition surface 33 areshifted relative to each other by about 1 mm. in the axial direction inthe preferred embodiment.

Shaft member 28 is made in two parts in the preferred embodiment, withinner sleeve coupling member 37 being made of plastic and its first endcarrying outer threaded portion 38 which corresponds to tapped hole 22.Threaded portion 38 of shaft member 28 is angled outwards. In thepreferred embodiment, the threaded portion of central bore tapped hole22 has correspondingly tapered interior threaded walls. The conicalwedging resulting from the angling or tapering of the threads provideimproved fastening restraint therebetween. The opposite end of sleevecoupling member 37 has the head 41 of shaft member 28 and is providedwith a multi-sided configuration in the preferred embodiment,corresponding to the configuration of cup 39. The cup 39 and head 41 areconnected to each other by interference fit and/or gluing by overlappingof the corresponding faces of each in nested fashion. Outer cup-shapedmember 39 and head 41 are provided with the foregoing correspondingmulti-sided configurations so as to permit both gripping of cup 39 androtation of cup 39 and head 41 as a unit when desired, so as to permitremoval of shaft member 28 and in turn cover plate 27, thereby providingaccess to the interior of spoke disk 11 and in particular the axialbolts positioned at passage holes 18. Cup-shaped member 39 is furtherprovided with a co-axially positioned outer recessed portion forrestrainable telescopic receipt of a decorative hub ornament or thelike.

Proximate outer thread 38 of shaft member first end 37, cone-shapedshell bearing surface element 42 is provided, which as previouslyexplained corresponds to bevel seat 32 and ranges from an insidediameter of approximately 68 mm. to an outside diameter of approximately82 mm. The larger diameter end of shell 42 is followed by radial flange43 which forms on its outer edge, an annular plane surface 44 whichbears on counterplane surface 36. Because of annular groove 34 and thecurvature of cover plate 27 proximate thereto, counterplane surface 36can be somewhat elastic relative to bevel seat 32, so that a sealingeffect may be maintained between the plane surface 44 and thecounterplane surface 36. In the preferred embodiment, counterplanesurface 36 and transition surface 33 are shifted by about 2 mm. relativeto each other in the axial direction.

Also, in the preferred embodiment, plane surface 44 and counterplanesurface 36 range from an inside diameter of 97 mm. to an outsidediameter of 99 mm.

As shaft member 28 is screwed into the tapped hole 22 by means of outerthread 38, cone-shaped shell 42 presses wedge-like against the bevelseat 32 so that the cover plate 27, is somewhat widened near thecylindrical extension 29. Moreover, the outer periphery of thecylindrical extension 29 is pressed against the adjacent inside wall ofrecess 23, and as a result of the axial tension component, the annularsurface 31 is simultaneously pressed against the counter-surface 24.This results in a significant sealing effect with cover plate 27 beingfixed onto spoke disk 11 with a high degree of frictional engagement.Securing of the aforementioned positioning and sealing effect is alsoincreased by the wedge effect existing between the cone shaped shellsurface 42 and bevel seat 32.

It should likewise be noted that the tension force due to the outwardlybiased shaft member 28 is transferred without radial shifting, since thecontact place between the cone-shaped shell 42 and the bevel seat 32 isabout the same radial distance as the contact zone between the annularsurface 21 and the counter surface 24. Because of the large diameter ofthe tapped hole 22, thread engagement is sufficiently loadable and thusis able to absorb very large tensional forces. The sealing in the zonebetween the plane surface 44 and the counterplane surface 36 furtheracts as additional sealing and prevents the penetration of dirt to thesealing surface proper, in the zone of the cone-shaped shell 42, therebyreducing the threat of damage thereto by penetrating dirt that couldcause grooves during the affixation process.

In the preferred embodiment, the multi-sided cup 39 of shaft member 28is made of an aluminum-type alloy. Thus shaft member 28 can be mountedand demounted through the use of a special wrench conforming to theouter configuration thereof. It is contemplated that such a specialwrench fitting the outer many-sided configuration of shaft member 28,not be readily available so as to prevent demounting of the hub capmember 26 and access to the axle bolts for the purpose of removal of themotor vehicle wheel by unauthorized persons.

As shown in FIG. 2 cover plate 27 serves to continue the pattern ofspoke disk 11 so as to provide a virtually continuous visual appearanceto the center of the motor vehicle wheel, in the case of a preferredembodiment, a lattice or simulated spoke-like design. So as to insurethat the pattern will so appear virtually continuously, though the wheelmay be assembled and disassembled, as shown in FIG. 1 there is anchoredon the cover plate 27 a pin 46 which protrudes therefrom approximatelyparallel to the axis of rotation 17 and shifted radially outward from itso as to fit into a corresponding bore 47 formed within spoke diskmember 11. Hence, such a corresponding pin 46 and bore 47 constructionwill prevent assembly of the spoke disk member 11, cover plate 27 andshaft member 28 in any manner other than one which gives a virtuallycontinuous visual appearance to the design on the exterior of the spokedisk member 11 and cover plate 27.

Spoke disk 11 and cover plate 27 in the preferred embodiment are madeout of an aluminum-type alloy, as is multi-sided cup 39. However, shaftmember inner sleeve coupling member 37 and head 41 are expediently madeof plastic, which because of its shape, is more favorable as a materialwith respect to production technique and sealing against the migrationof undesired materials, as well as avoiding the need for bushings andsuch that would ordinarily be required in a metal to metal contactfitting situation.

Outer edge of cover plate 27 does not touch spoke disk member 11 so thatwater or other liquids that could possible be present in the hollowspace located therein can get out. Because of the previously describedsignificant sealing in the interior of the wheel near its center, oilwill not be able to migrate from the center or axial and appear on theexterior of the cover plate 27 as a soiling factor.

In the preferred embodiment, cover plate 27 serves primarily as anoptical oclusion as well as to prevent physical access to the axialbolts which would permit removal of the motor vehicle wheel from theaxial. However, it is also contemplated to be within the scope of thisinvention that cover disk 27 be fashioned so as to alternatively alsofunction as a ventilator.

The second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4 is verysimilar to the embodiment previously discussed in connection with FIGS.1 and 3, however, the zone of contact between cover plate 27 and spokedisk member 11 is somewhat modified. (The reference numerals ofcorresponding parts from the embodiment described in FIGS. 1 and 3 havebeen multiplied by a factor of 10 with respect to FIG. 4.) Specifically,following the tapped hole 220 of spoke disk member 110, a countersurface240 is designed as a bevel seat of the sleeve-like extension 210.Annular surface 310 of the cover plate 270 fits it firmly. In contrastto the embodiment described in FIG. 3, some sharp-edged transitions aretherefore avoided. FIG. 4 further shows spring ring 281 which is held ingroove 282 interposed between cover plate 270 and threads 380 of theshaft member 280. By this arrangement, the shaft member 280 and thecover plate 270 are connected with each other so as to reduce the riskthat one or the other will be separated and lost.

It should be further noted that also contemplated within the scope ofthis invention are embodiments wherein the many-sided outerconfiguration of shaft member 28 are comprised of several curvedsurfaces or a combination of planar and curved surfaces, as opposed tothe polygonal planar surfaces shown herein with respect to the preferredembodiment. For example, the multi-sided shaft member can have anepicycloid or hypocycloid shape. Furthermore, instead of thecorresponding pin 46 and bore 47 shown in FIG. 1, a radially protrudingstop cam can be firmly formed onto extension 21 or elsewhere on spokedisk member 11 against which a counter-cam formed on the cover plate 27can be put. Moreover, where cover plate 27 is designed to also serve asa ventilator, it is especially recommended to design the counter-cam insuch a way that it extends past the stop cam in order to block turningof the cover plate 27 with respect to spoke disk 11 in both directions.Employing the stop-cam type of alignment structure results in avariation that can resist higher loads of rotation of the cover plate 27with respect to the spoke disk member 11 as would be required when coverplate 27 is fashioned as a ventilator.

The cup 39 of shaft member 28 can be sufficiently large and designed ina visually attractive manner. Of course, a standard tool could not beused on this shaft member 28 so that unauthorized removal is made moredifficult. Especially effective sealing is provided between shaft member28, cover plate 27 and spoke disk 11. Moreover, the friction-tightnessis further increased by utilization of the wedgelike configurationthereof and outward slanting of threads 38 of shaft member 28 therebyincreasing the reliability of the connection. Moreover, a collectingspace for dirt which might otherwise penetrate from the outside of thewheel to the interior of the axle is formed by annular groove 34.Because of groove 34, counterplane surface 36 is held elasticallyopposite the cone-shaped shell surface 42 which is rigidly threadedlyreceived by tapped hole 22.

The pairing of materials of aluminum-type alloy for spoke disk member 11and cover plate 27 as well as plastic for inner coupling sleeve member37 aids in preventing contact corrosion. Contact corrosion is alsoprevented while providing an economical manner of production, by makingcup 39 out of aluminum alloy while making the remainder of shaft member28 out of plastic. However, it is contemplated as being within the scopeof this invention to make cover plate 27 alternatively out of plastic.

The relatively large diameter of tapped hole 22, allows it to be formeddirectly in the spoke disk 11 made of a light metal, thereby simplifyingthe normal production technique since no separate metal insert isrequired for it. Moreover the large diameter of tapped hole 22 allowspressing of cover plate 27 against the spoke disk 11 directly in thezone surrounding tapped hole 22, because of the correspondingly largecontact area thereat.

While the foregoing has presented two specific embodiments of thepresent invention, it is to be understood that such embodiments arepresented by way of example only, and are .[.only.]. .Iadd.not.Iaddend.intended to limit the invention. It is expected that otherswill .[.proceed.]. .Iadd.perceive .Iaddend.variations which whilediffering from the foregoing do not depart from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as herein described and claimed.

What is claimed is:
 1. An improved motor vehicle wheel center apparatusfor attachment to the lug bolts of a vehicle axle and including ananti-theft feature associated therewith, said apparatus comprising:aspoke disk member; said spoke disk member having a central bore alignedco-axially with respect to the axis of rotation of said wheel; aplurality of co-axially positioned passage holes formed about theperiphery of said central bore and provided to allow for the alignedpassage therethrough of said lug bolts for the fastening of samethereabout by aligned corresponding lug nuts to in turn restrainablyaffix said spoke disk member to the axle wheel hub of said vehicle; ahub cap member; said hub cap member consisting of a cover plate having acentral aperture and a shaft member passing therethrough; said coverplate being operably co-axially maintained in a position interposedbetween said shaft member and said spoke disk member upon the outersurface of said spoke disk member at a position substantiallycorrespondingly shaped to the innermost surface of said cover plate;said shaft member being operably and removably attachable to the centralbore of said spoke disk member through hub cap attachment means operablydisposed about the periphery of said shaft member; said hub cap memberbeing so removably attachable to the outer surface of said spoke diskmember to enable said cover plate to cover said lug nuts and bolts;theft prevention means operably associated with said hub cap member soas to impede undesired removal of said hub cap member from its positionabout said spoke disk member and in turn impede unauthorized access tosaid lug nuts; alignment means operably associated with said cover plateand said spoke disk member so as to maintain consistent restrainedorientation and prevent relative rotation therebetween, and; a pluralityof sealing means operably positioned between said hub cap member andsaid spoke disk member to prevent migration of fluid substancestherebetween.
 2. The improved motor vehicle wheel center apparatus ofclaim 1 where each of said spoke disk member and said cover plate bearrespective alignable portions of a single discrete ornamental designwhich is capable of manifestation substantially continuously across bothin a substantially common plane while said cover plate is co-axiallyinterposed between said shaft member and said spoke disk member.
 3. Theinvention according to claim 2 wherein said substantially continuousco-planar single discrete ornamental design is that of a simulated spokeor lattice pattern.
 4. The improved motor vehicle wheel center accordingto claim 1 wherein the shaft member further comprises:an outercup-shaped member formed from an aluminum alloy-type material; and aninner sleeve coupling member of an elastomeric material including saidhub cap attachment means for removable attachment to said correspondinghub cap attachment means possessed by said spoke disk member.
 5. Theinvention according to claim 4 wherein said outer cup-shaped member andsaid inner sleeve coupling member are bonded by an adhesive bondtherebetween.
 6. The invention according to claim 4 wherein said outercup-shaped member includes a co-axially positioned outer recessedportion for restrainable telescopic receipt of a decorative hubornament.
 7. The invention according to claim 4 in which said hub capattachment means comprises:said inner sleeve coupling member having amale threaded portion proximate a first end; said central bore of saidspoke disk member having a female mated threaded portion capable ofaccurate aligned threaded receipt and holding of said shaft member withsaid cover plate being interposed therebetween; said male threadedportion of said inner sleeve coupling member having a threadconfiguration which angles outwardly in a radial direction about theaxis of rotation; said female mated threaded portion of said centralbore having a thread configuration which angles outwardly in likefashion to the thread configuration of said inner sleeve coupling memberso as to enable conical wedging threaded affixation therebetween; andsaid conical wedging of said inner sleeve and said central apertureproviding improved fastening restraint through increased frictionalinterference therebetween.
 8. The invention according to claim 7 whereinone of said plurality of sealing means comprises the threadedly matedattachment of said male threaded portion of said shaft member to saidfemale threaded portion along the central bore of said spoke disk memberso as to prevent the migration of fluid substances thereat.
 9. Theinvention according to claim 4 wherein said theft prevention meanscomprises said outer cup-shaped member having a non-standardizedmulti-sided, faceted peripheral configuration requiring alignment with ashape-conforming tool for removal of said hub cap member.
 10. Theinvention according to claim 9 wherein said multi-sided peripheralconfiguration of said outer cup shaped member is composed of a pluralityof substantially straight facet sections.
 11. The invention according toclaim 9 wherein said multi-sided peripheral configuration of said outercup-shaped member is composed of a plurality of substantially curvedfacet sections.
 12. The invention according to claim 4 wherein saidouter cup-shaped member and said inner sleeve coupling member includeportions of substantially equivalent faceted shape so as to enableinterference friction fit and nesting therebetween.
 13. The inventionaccording to claim 1 wherein said alignment means comprises:a pin memberoperably affixed to and protruding from said cover plate; acorrespondingly shaped and positioned bore formed within said spoke diskmember; and said pin member and said bore telescopically cooperating toenable consistent relative positioning of said cover plate upon saidspoke disk member and to resist relative rotation therebetween so as tomaintain said virtually continuous exterior appearance.
 14. Theinvention according to claim 1 wherein one of said plurality of sealingmeans comprises:said shaft member having a cone-shaped bearing element;said cover plate having a correspondingly shaped bevel seat portionalong its interior periphery for continuous juxtaposition along thesurface of said bearing element; and said cone-shaped bearing elementsurface contacting said correspondingly shaped bevel seat portion whensaid hub cap member is tightened on to said spoke disk member so as toprevent the migration of fluid substances thereat.
 15. The inventionaccording to claim 1 wherein one of said plurality of sealing meanscomprises:said hub cap member having a radial flange about its interiorperiphery forming an annular planar surface along its front face; andsaid cover plate being provided with a correspondingly oppositelypositioned counterplane surface so as to operably contact said annularplanar surface of said hub cap member when said hub cap member isaffixed to said spoke disk member to in turn prevent the migration offluid substances therebetween said hub cap member and said cover plate.16. The invention according to claim 15 in which said radial flangeemanates from said shaft member.
 17. The invention according to claim 1wherein one of said plurality of sealing means comprises:said spoke diskmember having a cylindrical recess co-axial to and proximate saidcentral bore including a countersurface and an adjacent inside wall;said cover plate having a cylindrical extension capable of beingtelescopically and closely received within said cylindrical recess, saidextension including an annular surface; and said cylindrical extensionpressing against said inside wall of said recess and said annularsurface correspondingly being pressed against said countersurface whensaid hub cap member is tightened on to said spoke disk member so as toprevent the migration of fluid substances therebetween.